Chicago Cubs SP John Lackey (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday, Sept. 1, and if the results are positive he could be activated in time to face the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, Sept. 4.

Chicago Cubs SP John Lackey struck out eight in as many innings, but he surrendered four runs on six hits and two walks in a 4-1 defeat versus the Texas Rangers on Sunday, July 17.

Fantasy Tip: Lackey proved to be no match for Cole Hamels in this one. The 37-year-old continues to eat up innings at a high rate, but Sunday marked the third straight outing and fourth in his last five in which he has yielded at least four runs. Lackey will have a chance to get it right in Milwaukee against the Brewers on Saturday and should be a strong fantasy start for that contest.

Chicago Cubs SP John Lackey allowed four runs in his first three innings Sunday, Jul 10, and he then rebounded by shutting down the Pittsburgh Pirates through the following three innings. Lackey allowed five earned runs in six innings, walked two and struck out nine but didn't get the decision.

Fantasy Tip: This is kind of indicative of the up-and-down season Lackey has had. He's still worth starting when the Cubs eventually get better. Right now the team is struggling so much starting Lackey may be asking for trouble.

Chicago Cubs SP John Lackey allowed six runs on six hits in six innings against the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday, July 5, to suffer his fifth loss of the season. He struck out four batters and walked five during the game. Lackey has gone 0-3 over his last five starts.

Fantasy Tip: Lackey still has a solid 3.50 ERA but has allowed 15 runs in his last three starts. He is scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in his next start and will be a risky option because of his uncertain status.

Chicago Cubs SP John Lackey gave up all three of his runs over the first three innings of his outing Monday, June 20, in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Lackey permitted seven hits and three walks while fanning six over as many innings.

Fantasy Tip: Lackey has been a model of consistency this season, as his 12 quality starts - including 10 in a row - is tied with Jon Lester for the team lead and is tied for third-best in the majors. Monday marked only the third time since May 1 that the 37-year-old allowed three earned runs and eighth time he has registered at least six strikeouts. Keep Lackey in the lineup for his next scheduled start against the Miami Marlins on Saturday.

Fantasy Tip: This outing has to be considered something of a disappointment since Lackey hasn't given up more than two runs since May 23. All kidding aside, the 37-year-old right-hander has turned in nine consecutive quality starts, striking out at least seven in six of those trips to the mound. Lackey will be a two-start pitcher next week - getting the St. Louis Cardinals at home and Miami Marlins on the road - and is an obvious must-start at this point.

Fantasy Tip: That's some great company to be in. The 37-year-old Lackey continues to get it done with a 7-2 record, 2.63 ERA and 0.92 WHIP on the season. Phenomenal numbers. He's also striking out a career-high 9.2 batters per nine innings. With Chicago's great offense backing him, Lackey should continue to have plenty of chances at victories, too. Keep running him out there every fifth day.